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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Razorbills perched on rocks at the RSPB North Hill nature reserve, Papa Westray, Orkney RSPB Ailsa Craig reserve, viewed from a boat Puffin sitting on rock, beak full of fish, Isle of May National Nature reserve
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Ailsa Craig

Ailsa Craig

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Home > Reserves > Reserves by name > A > Ailsa Craig > About Ailsa Craig

About Ailsa Craig

Black guillemot wing-flapping

Ailsa Craig lies nine miles offshore, rising to 1,109 feet. The dramatic seacliffs are home to the third largest gannetry in the UK - comprising 36,000 pairs - with a supporting cast of guillemots, razorbills, black guillemots and increasing numbers of puffins.

It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area because it supports 73,000 breeding seabirds. It dominates the outer Clyde; often referred to as Paddy's milestone, it lies halfway between Glasgow and Belfast.

Ailsa Craig is accessible only by boat - tours run from Girvan and Campbeltown during summer.

If you are new to birdwatching...

Round the island tours (summer only) give excellent views of gannets and puffins and Manx shearwaters can be seen en route. It's a fabulous experience of a large seabird colony.

Information for dog owners

No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs

Contact us

0141 331 0993

glasgow@rspb.org.uk

Nearest town: Girvan, South Ayrshire

Grid reference: NX020998

Directions

For directions, please see our How to get here page.

About the RSPB

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 22/07/2008 16:19:50
Show/hide picture credits
Black guillemot wing-flapping - Steve Round
Razorbills perched on rocks at the RSPB North Hill nature reserve, Papa Westray, Orkney - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2000_1007_009)
2004_7796_009 RSPB Ailsa Craig reserve, viewed from a boat - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Puffin sitting on rock, beak full of fish, Isle of May National Nature reserve - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2002_3281_009)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)